Dr. Robert A. Clay, Jr.

Dr. Robert A. “Bobby” Clay, Jr., 98, of Lee County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Born in 1928, in Lee County, Dr. Clay was the son of the late Robert A. Clay, Sr. and Eddye Hooks Clay. He devoted his life to faith, family, education, agriculture, and public service. Raised during the Great Depression on Clay Spring Farms which is recognized as a Centennial Farm, having been in operation by the same family for 121 years. He carried with him the values of hard work, humility, stewardship, and perseverance throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Leesburg High School’s Class of 1945, Dr. Clay demonstrated leadership from an early age. At just 15 years old, while still a student himself, he became a school bus driver for the Lee County School System. He later attended North Georgia College before earning his bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia. With a lifelong commitment to learning and service, he continued his education, earning both a master’s degree and doctorate in education.

Dr. Clay dedicated more than three decades to the Lee County School System, first serving on the Lee County Board of Education and later as superintendent for 32 years. During a transformative era in public education, he provided steady leadership marked by integrity, compassion, and vision. Under his guidance, the school system successfully navigated integration, expanded educational opportunities, welcomed students with disabilities for the first time, and experienced tremendous growth that helped shape Lee County into one of Georgia’s most respected school systems. After retiring as superintendent, he served again on the Board of Education.

Though widely respected as an educator and community leader, Dr. Clay remained, at heart, a farmer who deeply loved the land and rural life that shaped him. He often spoke fondly of childhood days spent swimming in Chokee Creek, fishing, and working alongside his family on the farm. Clay Spring Farms was not simply where he lived — it was part of who he was.

On June 13, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty Ann Pace Clay, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 67 years until her passing in 2021. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, education, service, and community. Their home was known for its warmth, hospitality, and deep love for family traditions. Dr. Clay and his wife were members of DeSoto Baptist Church where they served faithfully for many years.

Throughout his life, Dr. Clay served his community in many capacities, including longtime service on the Board of Health. He was also honored as a member of the Lee County High School Distinguished Alumni Program, a fitting recognition for a man whose life embodied leadership, humility, and devotion to his hometown.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Ann Pace Clay; his son, Robert A. Clay III; grandson, Zachary Clay Peak; and son-in-law, Sidney Clinton Peak.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Carol Ann Clay Peak of Lee County and Melody Clay Sheffield and Jim of Albany; his grandson, James Clay Sheffield; sister, Evelyn Clay Hicks of Marietta; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, in the chapel of Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the Leslie City Cemetery.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Dr. Robert A. Clay, Jr. and his family.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home

375 US Highway 19 S.

Leesburg, GA. 31763

229-814-1415